2001 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso

Deep saturated ruby. Vinous, complex nose combines currant, bitter chocolate, fresh herbs and tobacco. Then sweet, fat, lush and deep, with a surprisingly pliant texture for Howell Mountain cabernet. Very sweet currant, plum, chocolate and spice flavors. Finishes with thoroughly ripe, suave tannins and terrific lingering sweetness. Large-scaled but quite approachable. A superb showing today.

Good full medium ruby. Brooding ripe-but-subdued aromas of cherry and spices, with some intriguing herbal high notes. Much denser and richer than the 2000, with ripe flavors of plum, spice cake, bitter chocolate and minerals and a lovely restrained sweetness. Highly aromatic finish features fine tannins and excellent length.